When you think of traveling to the West coast in the United States, you often think of San Francisco, San Diego or Los Angeles. Very few go to the desert resort city of Palm Springs, which is a completely underrated destination.
There are tons of things to do in this southern Californian desert oasis. Some of the more popular attractions include; the iconic Aerial Tramway, the Living Desert, and Zoo Gardens. Not to mention there are tons of Palm Springs vacation rentals. If you haven’t already decided, here are nine reasons to visit Palm Springs when you’re in the United States.
| The Aerial Tramway |
The Aerial Tramway is the most iconic and unique attraction in Palm Springs. You get inside a rotating gondola as it ascends 1768 meters (5800 feet) up the mountain providing fantastic views of the valley below. Definitely the best spot for taking all the photos you want, or could even need.
As you’re going up, the temperature drops providing welcome relief in the summer. You’ll find a restaurant at the top along with a café and souvenir shops. If you want to hike back down, follow one of the trails.
| The Living Desert and Zoo Gardens |
The Living Desert and Zoo Gardens is a zoo out in the middle of the desert with two large sections housing animals in an environment closely mimicking their natural habitat. Giraffes and ostriches call one part home while camels, hedgehogs and mountain cats live in others.
While I’m not typically one for zoo’s or activities where animals are caged, this seems like a cool place to go because at least they are roaming on their own outside. Visitors can either explore on their own or get a guide who can explain more about the animals.
| Hiking Trails |
When you’re in the desert, you have an excellent chance to get out and explore. There are lots of trails around Palm Springs with the more popular ones leading to Palm Canyon and Palm Springs Indian Canyons. If there’s anything I love more than getting to explore a new place, it’s doing it while walking!
Some of the trails are light and comfortable whereas others are more strenuous and shouldn’t be attempted in the midst of summer. Many tourists like to hike during the winter when the temperatures are more pleasant (18°C).
| A Chance to Relax |
While Ben and I aren’t typically ones to spend our holidays lounging around doing nothing, sometimes you have to pamper yourself ever so slightly. The desert setting creates a vibe you won’t find in other Californian cities, and you’re always next to nature.
There are a number of spas and even hot springs that you can check out in Palm Springs. There are a range of other activities here too that will help you get the rest and recuperation you deserve. If you’re on a more extended trip around the United States, it may be nice to stop and spend a day or two lounging around the pool.
| The Mid Century Modernism |
I don’t know why we have this obsession, well it’s mostly me, but I love wandering through suburban areas in new destinations. I just think it’s a cool way to see how people live. One of the striking things tourists notice on their trip to Palm Springs is the number of houses with a modernist style of architecture. Many have unique designs that scream individuality from the wealthy owners.
You can join a tour to see all the different types of buildings and architecture or just stroll around yourself. At some times of the year, the houses open up to the public (um, hello is that cool or what?).
| Scenic Cycling |
What can be a better way to get a bit of exercise than to rent a bike and cycle around a desert oasis? you can ride mountain bikes along desert trails and up and down the steep slopes to get their adrenaline pumping. If you’re not an adventure seeker, you could cycle along at a leisurely pace soaking up the atmosphere in downtown Palm Springs.
Not only is this good exercise, but it’s a great way to get around and do your part for the environment. Rentals are readily available, which you can find online. However, just remember that cycling in the mid-summer when temperatures are hovering around 42°C isn’t such a good idea!
| The Museums and Art |
I have to be in the mood for museums but when I am, I love them! If you’re into art, you’ll find contemporary displays at the Palm Springs Art Museum. Collections mostly include modern art from European and North American artists with a few 19th-century masterpieces thrown in too. The outdoor sculpture park that joins to the museums is also worth exploring. You can find a number of galleries in the Backstreet Art District too.
| The Golf |
I always laugh with my family that my dad raised me as the son he never had. I was thrown into so many ‘manly’ sports at a young age, including golf. I swear I would be at a summer golf camp, the only girl surrounded by tons of guys but I’m definitely the better person for it (thanks dad).
Because of that I actually have grown to love golfing and there are lots of golf courses and resorts in Palm Springs that attract players from the United States and around the world. Imagine teeing off on a lush course against the backdrop of the mountains and desert. You have several options to choose from, and many visitors often end up staying for a few days at one of the resorts.
There’s nothing quite like taking a vacation in Palm Springs. You have access to anything they want from spa treatments and hydrotherapy to spending a day hiking along desert trails and seeing giraffes. If you’re looking for something unique in California or on your trip around the United States, Palm Springs makes a great stop.
